Methylphenidate Promotes Premature Growth Plate Closure: In Vitro Evidence.

It is well known that patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulants, such as methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH), have reduced height and weight. Even though MPH has an anorexigenic effect, an additional impact of this drug on the growth plate cannot be discarded. In this study, we aimed to determine the cellular effect of MPH on an in vitro growth plate model. We tested the effects of MPH on the viability and proliferation of a prechondrogenic cell line via an MTT assay. In vitro differentiation of this cell line was performed, and cell differentiation was evaluated through the expression of cartilage- and bone-related genes as measured via RT-PCR. MPH did not alter the viability or proliferation of prechondrogenic cells. However, it reduced the expression of cartilage extracellular matrix-related genes (type II collagen and aggrecan) and increased the expression of genes involved in growth plate calcification (Runx2, type I collagen, and osteocalcin) at different phases of their differentiation process. Our results evidence that MPH upregulates genes associated with growth plate hypertrophic differentiation. This may induce premature closure of the growth plate, which would contribute to the growth retardation that has been described to be induced by this drug.

Formononetin, a Beer Polyphenol with Catabolic Effects on Chondrocytes.

Beer consumption has been identified as a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), a rheumatic disease characterised by cartilage degradation, joint inflammation, and eventual joint failure. One of the main isoflavonoids in beer is formononetin (FNT), an estrogenic compound also found in multiple plants and herbs. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of FNT on chondrocyte viability, inflammation, and metabolism. Cells were treated with FNT with or without IL-1ß for 48 h and during 7 days of differentiation. Cell viability was determined via MTT assay. Nitrite accumulation was determined by Griess reaction. The expression of genes involved in inflammation and metabolism was determined by RT-PCR. The results revealed that a low concentration of FNT had no deleterious effect on cell viability and decreased the expression of inflammation-related genes. However, our results suggest that FNT overexposure negatively impacts on chondrocytes by promoting catabolic responses. Finally, these effects were not mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs) or aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In conclusion, factors that favour FNT accumulation, such as long exposure times or metabolic disorders, can promote chondrocyte catabolism. These data may partially explain why beer consumption increases the risk of OA.

ß Boswellic Acid Blocks Articular Innate Immune Responses: An In Silico and In Vitro Approach to Traditional Medicine.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is hallmarked as a silent progressive rheumatic disease of the whole joint. The accumulation of inflammatory and catabolic factors such as IL6, TNFα, and COX2 drives the OA pathophysiology into cartilage degradation, synovia inflammation, and bone destruction. There is no clinical available OA treatment. Although traditional ayurvedic medicine has been using Boswellia serrata extracts (BSE) as an antirheumatic treatment for a millennium, none of the BSE components have been clinically approved. Recently, ß boswellic acid (BBA) has been shown to reduce in vivo OA-cartilage loss through an unknown mechanism. We used computational pharmacology, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics to present solid evidence of BBA therapeutic properties in mouse and primary human OA joint cells. Specifically, BBA binds to the innate immune receptor Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) complex and inhibits both TLR4 and Interleukin 1 Receptor (IL1R) signaling in OA chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and synoviocytes. Moreover, BBA inhibition of TLR4/IL1R downregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis and MAPK p38/NFκB, NLRP3, IFNαß, TNF, and ECM-related pathways. Altogether, we present a solid bulk of evidence that BBA blocks OA innate immune responses and could be transferred into the clinic as an alimentary supplement or as a therapeutic tool after clinical trial evaluations.

Non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB 101, PCB 153 and PCB 180) induce chondrocyte cell death through multiple pathways.

Environmental pollutants are known to have adverse effects on human health. However, the link between chemical exposure and osteoarthritis remains little investigated. This study sought to assess in vitro the effect of several non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) on chondrocytes viability and apoptosis induction. Murine chondrogenic ATDC-5 cell line and human T/C-28a2 immortalized chondrocytes were exposed to NDL-PCBs 101, 153 and 180. Cell viability was examined using MTT assay. Necrosis was evaluated by LDH assay. Expression of apoptotic related proteins, such as caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax was assessed by Western blot analysis. Finally, oxidative stress was evaluated by malondialdehyde (MDA) assay and the Oxidative Stress Index. In vitro exposure to NDL-PCBs caused strong reduction of cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Data from LDH assay showed cellular necrosis induction. Caspase-3 activation, as well as, altered Bcl2/Bax ratio and p38 MAP-kinase phosphorylation also suggested apoptosis induction. Finally, MDA levels and Oxidative Stress Index revealed that PCBs drive chondrocyte death via increase of oxidative stress. The viability of murine and human chondrocytes was reduced in presence of PCBs. The activity of PCBs on cell viability is likely to be mediated by complex alterations involving regulation mechanisms of apoptosis, necrosis and oxidative stress.

Síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay / Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome

El Síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay es una malformación vascular congénita caracterizada por una triada de manifestaciones clínicas que comprende una malformación vascular venular, linfática y venosa, junto con hipertrofia esquelética y aumento de tejidos blandos de uno o más miembros. De etiología desconocida, patogénicamente se cree que se produce una alteración en el desarrollo del mesodermo en el feto, que afecta a las líneas angioblástica, linfoblástica y osteoblástica. Se presenta el caso de un paciente femenino de 5 años de edad quien presenta una malformación vascular, diagnosticada inicialmente como hemangioma vascular y posteriormente se asoció a Síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay. El objetivo de la presentación de este caso es generar conocimiento sobre las características clínicas del síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay para un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno(AU)

Klippel - Trenaunay -Weber congenital vascular malformation characterized by a triad of clinical manifestations comprising a venular, venous and lymphatic vascular malformation, with hypertrophy increased skeletal and soft tissue of one or more members. Of unknown etiology, it is believed to pathogenically an alteration occurs in mesoderm development in the fetus, which affects angioblastic , and osteoblastic lymphoblastoid lines. Is presentedthe case of a 5 year old that has a vascular malformation, initially diagnosed as vascular hemangioma and later was associated with Klippel- Trenaunay -Weber.Objective: To generate knowledge about the clinical features of KlippelTrenaunay Syndrome for diagnosis and treatment(AU)

Sobrecarga y percepción de la calidad de vida relacionada con el cuidador primario del paciente hemodializado / Burden and perception of the quality of life related with the primary caregiver for haemodialysis patient

Introducción: en los últimos años, ha adquirido importancia creciente la identificación del nivel de sobrecarga y las repercusiones sobre la calidad de vida de los cuidadores de los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas. El cuidador tiende a no buscar ayuda médica, postergándose y priorizando los problemas de su familiar dependiente, manteniendo la mayoría de sus propias enfermedades sin diagnosticar, tornándose casi invisible para el sistema de salud. Objetivos: identificar el nivel de sobrecarga del cuidador primario del paciente hemodializado y clasificar la calidad de vida percibida en sus diferentes dimensiones. Métodos: estudio transversal descriptivo. Muestreo no probabilístico. Realizado en un periodo de 6 meses. Se incluyó una muestra de 134 cuidadores primarios. Con el programa SPSS versión 19 se realizó el análisis estadístico, se utilizaron frecuencias y proporciones en variables cualitativas; y en las cuantitativas, medidas de tendencia central, X2. Aplicándose la Escala de Sobrecarga del Cuidador de Zarit y Cuestionario DarmouthCoop de Calidad de vida, versiones originales. Resultados: de 134 cuidadores, 76,9 por ciento (n= 103) mujeres; 23,1 por ciento (n= 31) hombres. El 30,6 por ciento (n= 41) cuidadores sin sobrecarga; 23,9 por ciento (n= 32) sobrecarga ligera y 45,5 por ciento (n= 61) sobrecarga intensa. Las dimensiones de forma física, sentimientos, cambio en el estado de salud y apoyo social tuvieron una percepción de la calidad de vida como mala o muy mala. Conclusiones: un gran porcentaje de la población analizada presenta sobrecarga intensa con afección en las dimensiones de calidad de vida percibida(AU)

Introduction: in recent years, it has become of great importance to identify the level of burden and implications on quality of life for primary caregivers of patients with chronic diseases. The caregiver tends not to seek for medical help, putting off his health; he gives priority to the patient's problem. Unfortunately, the caregiver diseases are not diagnosed by the health system. Objectives: To identify the burden level of primary caregivers for haemodialysis patient. To classify the perceived quality of life within its different dimensions. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed with no probabilistic sampling. It was conducted during six months. The sample size was 134 primary caregivers. With the SPSS program 19 version the statistical analysis was conducted. For the descriptive statistics, frequencies and proportions were used on qualitative variables, measures of central tendency and X2 in quantitative variables. The original version of the Zarit Burden Interwiew and the Dartmouth COOP Functional Assessment Charts were used. Results: 76.9 percent (n= 103) of the participants were women, 23.1 percent (n= 31) were men. The 30.6 percent (n= 41) showed no burden, 23.9 percent (n= 32) showed mild burden and 45.5 percent (n= 61) with severe burden. The functional assessment on physical fitness, feelings, change in health and social support were perceived as pretty bad or very bad. Conclusions: A large percentage of the studied population shows a severe burden impacting on the perceived functional assessment on the quality of life(AU)

Sobrecarga y percepción de la calidad de vida relacionada con el cuidador primario del paciente hemodializado / Burden and perception of the quality of life related with the primary caregiver for haemodialysis patient

Introducción: en los últimos años, ha adquirido importancia creciente la identificación del nivel de sobrecarga y las repercusiones sobre la calidad de vida de los cuidadores de los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas. El cuidador tiende a no buscar ayuda médica, postergándose y priorizando los problemas de su familiar dependiente, manteniendo la mayoría de sus propias enfermedades sin diagnosticar, tornándose casi invisible para el sistema de salud. Objetivos: identificar el nivel de sobrecarga del cuidador primario del paciente hemodializado y clasificar la calidad de vida percibida en sus diferentes dimensiones. Métodos: estudio transversal descriptivo. Muestreo no probabilístico. Realizado en un periodo de 6 meses. Se incluyó una muestra de 134 cuidadores primarios. Con el programa SPSS versión 19 se realizó el análisis estadístico, se utilizaron frecuencias y proporciones en variables cualitativas; y en las cuantitativas, medidas de tendencia central, X2. Aplicándose la Escala de Sobrecarga del Cuidador de Zarit y Cuestionario DarmouthCoop de Calidad de vida, versiones originales. Resultados: de 134 cuidadores, 76,9 por ciento (n= 103) mujeres; 23,1 por ciento (n= 31) hombres. El 30,6 por ciento (n= 41) cuidadores sin sobrecarga; 23,9 por ciento (n= 32) sobrecarga ligera y 45,5 por ciento (n= 61) sobrecarga intensa. Las dimensiones de forma física, sentimientos, cambio en el estado de salud y apoyo social tuvieron una percepción de la calidad de vida como mala o muy mala. Conclusiones: un gran porcentaje de la población analizada presenta sobrecarga intensa con afección en las dimensiones de calidad de vida percibida(AU)

Introduction: in recent years, it has become of great importance to identify the level of burden and implications on quality of life for primary caregivers of patients with chronic diseases. The caregiver tends not to seek for medical help, putting off his health; he gives priority to the patient's problem. Unfortunately, the caregiver diseases are not diagnosed by the health system. Objectives: To identify the burden level of primary caregivers for haemodialysis patient. To classify the perceived quality of life within its different dimensions. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed with no probabilistic sampling. It was conducted during six months. The sample size was 134 primary caregivers. With the SPSS program 19 version the statistical analysis was conducted. For the descriptive statistics, frequencies and proportions were used on qualitative variables, measures of central tendency and X2 in quantitative variables. The original version of the Zarit Burden Interwiew and the Dartmouth COOP Functional Assessment Charts were used. Results: 76.9 percent (n= 103) of the participants were women, 23.1 percent (n= 31) were men. The 30.6 percent (n= 41) showed no burden, 23.9 percent (n= 32) showed mild burden and 45.5 percent (n= 61) with severe burden. The functional assessment on physical fitness, feelings, change in health and social support were perceived as pretty bad or very bad. Conclusions: A large percentage of the studied population shows a severe burden impacting on the perceived functional assessment on the quality of life(AU)

Síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay / Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome

El Síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay es una malformación vascular congénita caracterizada por una triada de manifestaciones clínicas que comprende una malformación vascular venular, linfática y venosa, junto con hipertrofia esquelética y aumento de tejidos blandos de uno o más miembros. De etiología desconocida, patogénicamente se cree que se produce una alteración en el desarrollo del mesodermo en el feto, que afecta a las líneas angioblástica, linfoblástica y osteoblástica. Se presenta el caso de un paciente femenino de 5 años de edad quien presenta una malformación vascular, diagnosticada inicialmente como hemangioma vascular y posteriormente se asoció a Síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay. El objetivo de la presentación de este caso es generar conocimiento sobre las características clínicas del síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay para un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno(AU)

Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber congenital vascular malformation characterized by a triad of clinical manifestations comprising a venular, venous and lymphatic vascular malformation, with hypertrophy increased skeletal and soft tissue of one or more members. Of unknown etiology, it is believed to pathogenically an alteration occurs in mesoderm development in the fetus, which affects angioblastic , and osteoblastic lymphoblastoid lines. Is presentedthe case of a 5 year old that has a vascular malformation, initially diagnosed as vascular hemangioma and later was associated with Klippel- Trenaunay-Weber. Objective: To generate knowledge about the clinical features of KlippelTrenaunay Syndrome for diagnosis and treatment(AU)

Potencialidades y proyecciones de la implementación del mapa conceptual como estrategia de enseñanza-aprendizaje en bioquímica: potentialities and projections / Implementation of the conceptual map as a teaching and learning strategy in biochemistry

La necesidad de generar cambios en la docencia que promuevan el aprendizaje significativo utilizando estrategias centradas en el estudiante ha sido ampliamente discutida en las últimas 2 décadas. Enfocados en esta propuesta, en este trabajo se compartió la implementación del uso de mapas conceptuales en diferentes modalidades en la asignatura Bioquímica para Bioingeniería, como experiencia piloto para uso en diferentes asignaturas del área de las ciencias biológicas. Se describieron las modalidades utilizadas y se discutieron sus ventajas y desventajas, según la apreciación del profesor y de los estudiantes, además de compartir los recursos generados durante la ejecución de esta intervención pedagógica. El análisis de la apreciación del estudiante reveló que la gran mayoría consideró positiva la experiencia lo cual indica que los mapas conceptuales facilitan el establecer relaciones entre conceptos, su memorización y aprendizaje, a la vez que sugieren una amplia y positiva potencialidad del recurso en el aula. A través de este trabajo se invita al profesor a innovar al usar la metodología, creando ambientes de aprendizaje que motiven al estudiante a aprender.

The need to bring about changes in teaching that promote meaningful learning by using student-centered education has been extensively discussed over the past two decades. In this context, this paper presented diverse approaches for the implementation of conceptual maps in several modalities of the subject biochemistry in Bioengineering, as a pilot experience for their use in different subjects of biological sciences. The modalities, their advantages and disadvantages according to the perception of the teachers and students were discussed, and the materials produced while implementing this pedagogical intervention were shared. The analysis of the students' perception revealed that the majority positively valued the experience, indicating that conceptual maps facilitate establishing relationships among concepts, their memorisation and learning, all of which indicate a broad and positive potential of this teaching resource in the classroom. Through this work professors are invited to innovate in using methodology and to create learning climates that encourage the students to learning.